BING CROSBY - SINGER RICHARDS DIES AT 84

CAROL RICHARDS, the singer who teamed up with BING CROSBY to record Christmas classic SILVER BELLS, has died at a hospital in Florida. She was 84. Richards shot to fame after winning a singing contest, promoted by Crosby, and became the real voice behind classic songs in a host of movie musicals. The singer's voice was dubbed over actresses for tunes in films like BRIGADOON and SILK STOCKINGS. Richards also became a household name in America thanks to regular appearances on a popular 1950s variety show hosted by her mentor Crosby's brother BOB. She gave up her career to become a mum, and when she married her fifth husband, EDWARD SWIEDLER, she became mother and stepmother to 11 kids.